Instant Pot Malfunction - Pressure Seal Issues and No Receipt for Return

[jackie789]

I got an instant pot for my birthday. I’ve used it l3 times, the pressure seal won’t work. When trying to get to pressure it eventually says “burn food” and when I hit the vent button no steam is released, so I’m assuming it doesn’t seal. It’s brand new, but because I didn’t buy it I have no receipt. I didnt even save the box. I have no way of returning it, and it feels a waste to trash it. Is there any way to fix it? The rubber seal looks to be in place.. anything else I could do?
Also, just in terms of replacement parts or exchanges, it’s the pioneer woman one that is no longer being sold so I can’t just buy a new lid because it’s different I think.

 

[sonusan]

Are you using enough thin liquid in it and making sure it's not in the venting position.

 

[idservpain]

Are you putting in enough liquid?

 

[tears4you]

Check the knob when you close the top When closing the little button on top check if it's sealed or steaming. If no steam escapes it must not be on sealed.

 

[tears4you]

Is the rubber gasket in good?

 

[iraregal]

Sealing not venting. I did that once. Lesson learned.

 

[tears4you]

I don't know if you're local but I have a second bottom part if you need it

 

[geruuqq]

Sounds like not enough water in the bottom

 

[manycoloured]

The first thing to do is the Water Test, to check if the pot is working properly. It tests the pot AND whether you are using it properly.
The Water Test is simply to pour a cup of water (or more) into the pot and run a pressure cook cycle for a minute or two. Does it leak steam? Does it reach pressure?
When folks ask if you are using enough "thin liquid" they mean "watery liquid" since oil can be thin. Water is essential to pressure cooking.

 

[jackie789]

@manycoloured interesting.. I’ve tried only 2 recipes. Both specific to instant pot but neither called for water? One was an egg recipe, like eggs ham veggies, to make like an instant pot scramble. It came from the cookbook with my instant pot. The other was meatballs with sauce from my mom, I’ll have to ask her if she uses water and just forgot to tell me.. so weird. I’ll try the water test and see what happens

 

[joemclaughlin4]

@jackie789 can’t create steam without thin liquid (water/broth…). Each size of pressure cooker has a minimum requirement, so read the manual again, or do a Google search.

 

[jackie789]

Thanks!! I’ll look into it

 

[ekzamenov]

@jackie789 water/or liquid is essential to build pressure. Don't give up.

 

[manycoloured]

@jackie789 Read this: it explains why the Instant Pot MUST have water or a watery liquid to pressure cook, and how to avoid the "burn" message -- with SCIENCE!

http://www.nfatoys.com/.../instant-pot-newbie-guide-a.htm...

 

[samira742]

@jackie789 you MUST have at least 1 cup of thin liquid in a 6 quart pot to create the steam pressure

 

[onfire4yahweh]

Be sure the rubber gasket is inserted correctly. The “thicker” edge should be pointing to the center of your lid.
If it is an 8 quart model, add a cup of extra water. Also, are you using a recipe for the model you have? I used a recipe from the 3 qt mini book and I had the burn warning. If I had doubled the recipe and added extra water it would have been fine in my 8 quart.

 

[mpierce]

Call IP maybe the seal looks good but isn't? I know Amazon has parts but maybe they can send you one

 

[jackie789]

@mpierce good idea!

 

[mpierce]

@jackie789 I read they are really good & helpful. If this is an IP constant problem they would know

 

[garyoak]

You can get a new ring off Amazon. It sounds like it is not holding pressure.